Miata Mailing List: November 1999, Message #701

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Thanks, Jerry. I'll pass this along to the list. Someone said I should get
it with a mid-pipe. Do you know anything about that?

Richard

Jerry Bruce wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Thought I would respond to you regarding the Racing Beat muffler for the
> 99 Miata.  (I can read the list but not submit.)
>
> I just installed one on my 99 about a week ago.  I had it on order for a
> month.  They had a problem with one of their suppliers for awhile.
>
> I decided on the RB after hearing one of the Socalm members car with the
> equivalent muffler for the M1s.  It sounded so great, I just had to have
> it.
>
> Mine doesn't sound loud when you are in the car.  Just more mellow.
> There is none of that raspy sound the kids seem to like on their
> Acuras.  I can't say whether or not there is any performance
> difference.  It would be minimal anyway since most of the exhaust
> systems restrictions come from the manifold and converter.
>
> A side benefit of the RB is that it is painted a very dark grey
> metallic.  They say its black but in the sun it is a charcoal grey.  I
> like it because you don't see that polished metal shining below the
> bumper.  Since I have the Emerald mica, it used to stand out like a sore
> thumb against the dark green, now it is much more visibly pleasing.
>
> So anyway, that is my experience.  By the way, it has what I think is
> the best looking tip.  It has a slight slant to it and is polished
> stainless instead of chrome (although you could make it shine like
> chrome if you want).
>
> Installation was about a 45 minute job doing it single handedly.  If you
> have another pair of hands it is helpful because of the weight of the
> units that you have to support while putting them in and out.  I needed
> to use a small breaker bar (length of pipe) over my ratchet to break
> loose the nuts.  I suggest using Rhino Ramps or an equivalent.  It is a
> bitch to get the old muffler off because of the knurled lip on each of
> the hangers.  Lube them a lot, it helps.  Don't be afraid to push and
> pull.  My shop manual called for 32-40 ftlbs of torque on the nuts.  You
> don't need an exhaust gasket.  The Miata is like the RX7, it has a donut
> that you reuse.
>
> Take care and keep the revs up.
>
> Jerry and Green Hornet.